House Speaker Mike Johnson will step aside as the top House Republican in the new Congress, after the Democrats swept both chambers in the midterm elections on 3 November. NPR first reported the decision on 4 November, citing a source familiar with his plans, and Johnson later told staff on Wednesday morning that he will not run for minority leader.

Johnson, the Louisiana Republican, served two terms as speaker after being elected when his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, was ousted in 2023. He had said in October that he intended to remain as the party's leader if Republicans lost control of the House, but changed course after the bruising defeat. A spokesman confirmed to The Epoch Times on 4 November that Johnson will not seek a leadership role in the next Congress.

Scalise and Jordan launch bids

His decision opens a contest for the top House Republican job in the minority. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan both announced their candidacies in letters to colleagues on Wednesday. Republicans are scheduled to hold their leadership elections on 10 November, and candidates must declare by 6 November.

Johnson is expected to remain in the House as a rank-and-file member from Louisiana after winning re-election to an eighth term. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York is expected to become the next speaker when the new Congress convenes on 3 January 2027.

Sources: NPR via KNKX, Mike Johnson will step aside as top House Republican next Congress, 4 November 2026; NPR Illinois, Mike Johnson says he will step aside as top House Republican next Congress, 5 November 2026.